In recent weeks I have spoken about many different projects underway which will create a bigger and better Peterborough and more and better opportunities for all.
Projects such as the Station Quarter, plans for a new swimming pool and our Visioning Project for the city centre will bring additional investment, create new jobs, and make Peterborough a more exciting place to live and visit.
Last Friday I was delighted to take part in a round table discussion focussed on growth led by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority at the council offices at Sand Martin House.
The event brought together Mayor Paul Bristow, MP Andrew Pakes, myself and many partners from across the region and country who see Peterborough as a promising city to invest in.
It discussed the potential of the city to become a hub of connectivity, high skilled jobs in sectors such as Agri-tech and Government civil service, a thriving economy and a place where families can feel proud of raising their children.
This is a pivotal moment in Peterborough’s history as the council moves forward in partnership with the Combined Authority and Homes England towards a Growth Board and Mayoral Development Corporation.
What we are aiming towards is an accelerated, cohesive and planned approach in our city which will benefit those who live, work and play here. The benefits will be reaped both now and for future generations.
We have so many, game-changing projects starting in our city and our plans are to build on this, on a massive scale.
This Mayoral Round Table is the first step in a journey which will help to drive forwards growth and change all our lives for the better.
When the Labour group took charge of the council in May 2024 we committed to tackling a number of long-running issues which previous administrations had failed to deal with.
One of the most complex had to be the issue of the education land at Ken Stimpson Academy which the academy trust wants fenced for safeguarding reasons and the community wants to remain accessible for dog walking and other activities that promote wellbeing.
I can see why it has gone unresolved for as long as it has, because there is no solution that pleases everyone.
At next week’s Cabinet meeting members will be asked to agree a way forward on this matter, and the recommendations on the table are what I hope all parties see as the best compromise. For the school, it will see the installation of a fence so pupils can once again play outdoors, with safeguarding concerns met, and for the community, it will allow a slightly larger area than has been planned previously for public access, and a community use agreement for the land that has been fenced so it can be used outside of school hours.
If Cabinet agrees the recommendations, we will proceed at pace, to achieve our aspiration that children at Ken Stimpson can benefit once again from this outdoor space.
Any politician will tell you that it can be brutal at times, being in the public glare. People will not hesitate to tear you down over decisions that you make or if your views on a particular matter differ. That comes as part of the role and requires the development of a thick skin.
However, what I cannot tolerate, and have spoken out against in recent weeks, is commentary that is racist and aimed at spreading hate. As a Muslim woman, I have encountered this throughout my life, and I must stand up to it. Not just for myself, but any person who experiences this.
The ongoing discussions around the sale of the New England Complex has seen a peak in very upsetting racist and hate-filled comments towards me, which are hurtful for both myself and my family.
My plea to people is to play fairly. Disagree with me, challenge my administration, but please don’t do this based on the colour of my skin or my faith.